Jaca Family Cattle Ranch

Idaho

Elias Jaca, of Western Idaho, is a cattle rancher for Niman Ranch.

How many generations in your family are ranchers?

Six.

How many family members are involved in your ranch?

My wife, Inez, our son Martin and his wife, Susan, and their four children.

How many cattle are on your ranch?

Our herd is approximately 2,000 head.

What crops are produced on your ranch?

Our cattle are raised on more than 80,000 acres of federal, state and private land. They graze on the grasses. We also raise the feed for our cattle for the winter pastures.

What’s the history of your family’s operation?

Inez and I are both fourth-generation ranchers and descendants of immigrants from the Basque region of Europe. In 1965, we began cattle ranching on my father’s property. I’ve been ranching for more than 55 years.

What sustainable farming practices are a part of your ranch?

We practice crop rotation to ensure proper land management and each summer drive our cattle to mountain feeding grounds, allowing the winter pastures to rest. We take care of the land, so it takes care of us.

How long have you sold cattle to Niman Ranch?

Since 2006.

"We take care of the land so it takes care of us."

Iowa

Boor Family Farm

Meet the Family

Oregon

Wahls Family Farm

Meet the Family

Iowa

Williams Family Farm

Meet the Family

Iowa

Gibralter Farms

Meet the Family

Iowa

Iowa State University Western Research Farm & the Breakfast Club

Meet the Family

Iowa

Seven W Farm

Meet the Family

Iowa

Corrin Farms

Meet the Family

Iowa

Mickelson Family Ranch

Meet the Family

Missouri

Mineral Valley Farms

Meet the Family

Missouri

Crowe Family Farms

Meet the Family

Minnesota

Koestler Family Farm

Meet the Family

Iowa

Kramer Family Farm

Meet the Family

Iowa

Schmidt Family Farm

Meet the Family

Kansas

Sperfslage Family Farm

Meet the Family

Iowa

Miller Hogs and Hay

Meet the Family

Minnesota

Talsma Family Farm

Meet the Family

California

Hamilton Brothers Farm

Meet the Family

Iowa

Sibbel Family Farm

Meet the Family

Missouri

Pastvina Acres

Meet the Family

Iowa

Hundling Family Farms

Meet the Family

Kansas

Glanzer Family Ranch

Meet the Family

Iowa

Flaherty Family Farm

Meet the Family

Nebraska

Janousek Family Farm

Meet the Family

Oregon

Wahl Grazing LLC

Meet the Family

Iowa

Groenenboom Family Farm

Meet the Family

Iowa

A-Frame Acres

Meet the Family

Iowa

Alderland Farm

Meet the Family

Missouri

Crowe Family Hog Farm

Meet the Family

Kansas

Edelman Family Cattle Ranch

Meet the Family

Nebraska

Fuelberth Family Cattle Ranch

Meet the Family

Illinois

Heun Family Hog Farm

Meet the Family

Wisconsin

Big Acres, Inc.

Meet the Family

Kansas

Kendig Family Farm Ranch

Meet the Family

South Dakota

Krause Family Cattle Ranch

Meet the Family

California

McCormack Family Lamb Ranch

Meet the Family

Iowa

Scheer Family Hog Farm

Meet the Family

Stay Up to Date
with the Latest

Sign up for our newsletter to get the latest recipes, happenings and more.